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Barmouths location on the west
coast of North Wales and lying between a mountain range
and the sea on the mouth of the river Mawddach is
arguably one of the most beautiful locations in Wales. It
rests just within the south west corner of Snowdonia
National Park and is seeped in a history rich with
connections to the shipping and slate industries.
The old town is well worth a visit with its steep steps
and slate-roofed cottages on the side of a mountain. The
harbour is beautiful and you can walk across the
spectacular Barmouth Bridge spanning the river which can
be an ideal activity for an evening stroll.
The beach is large and perfect for sunbathing and games
and surfers can often be seen depending on the swells and
time of year. Kids love the beach yet its size means
those wanting to get away and relax in peace and quite
can do so easily. It also has a large range of shops,
pubs, hotels and other accommodation, a funfair from
March to October and amusement arcades. There are also a
number of Caravan parks in the area.
Barmouth is the starting point for the Barmouth to Fort
William Three Peaks Race and involves sailing from Wales,
via England, to Scotland (389 miles) then climbing the
three highest mountains in the UK - Snowdon, Scafell Pike
and Ben Nevis : a total of 11,000 ft of climbing and 72
miles running. Hard work or what!
Barmouth is also the home of the Fairbourne &
Barmouth Railway track which was originally laid in 1895,
by Mr. Arthur McDougall of McDougallss
Flour fame. It was built to transport building
materials for the construction of Fairbourne village.
Since then his horse-drawn trams have been replaced by
steam engines and in 1985 the 15" gauge track was
converted to 12¼". The line is 2 miles long and
runs between Fairbourne Station and Penrhyn Point, site
of the Pullman Pavilion Restaurant, where passengers can
embark on the Ferry to Barmouth.
The Mawddach estuary is an area of immense beauty and
offers visitors a range of walks to suit the determined
and the casual stroller. It is a haven for bird spotters
and those wishing to get away from it all. It also offers
great picture taking opportunities, especially at
sundown. |